by DSFC Media | Nov 2, 2013 | Uncategorized
An injury-time equaliser from Joe Gormley cruelly denied Dungannon Swifts as they came so close to toppling the champions in North Belfast.
The striker scored in the 92nd minute to salvage a point, just when it seemed Cliftonville’s long unbeaten run in this fixture was over.
It was a crushing blow for Dungannon boss Darren Murphy, who slumped to his knees on the touchline after the goal, but he can take pride from his side’s battling performance.
Just seven days after a humbling five-goal defeat against Portadown, they produced a gutsy display full of character and commitment.
A back line which had been so exposed by the Ports was reshuffled, including a first start for goalkeeper Niall Morgan, and proved a lot more difficult to break down.
The midfield regained its competitive edge while the return of James Costello complemented a more industrious, hard-working, team performance.
The one disappointment for Murphy will be that his side could not hold out to secure a much-needed win and end their winless run in this fixture.
It is now 18 games since Dungannon last beat the Reds, and they won’t come any closer than this to finally banishing that unwanted record.
Most will agree the result was about right. Cliftonville had more efforts on goal, but Dungannon created by far the clearest chances.
The game itself took some time to develop, with a thrilling second half compensating for the poor quality offered up in the opening 45 minutes.
Dungannon created the first two chances with a last-ditch Jamie McGovern tackle denying Darren Boyce before Ryan Harpur’s audacious lob from the halfway line landed just wide.
It took the home side 19 minutes to test Morgan. Gormley drove forward and cracked a right-foot shot which was well blocked.
But a Cliftonville goal three minutes before half-time threatened to undo much of Swifts’ good work.
Liam Boyce collected a ball from Diarmuid O’Carroll and dashed past Terry Fitzpatrick, before firing a left-foot effort into the far corner.
Buoyed by the goal, the Reds almost snatched a second via O’Carroll, but his drive from a promising position lacked accuracy and flashed over.
The match came to life in the second half, which was played in appalling conditions as heavy rain poured down around North Belfast.
Dungannon levelled eight minutes after the restart. Costello twisted and turned his way past a defender and teed up Boyce, who rifled home with a powerful half-volley.
It drew a response from Cliftonville and O’Carroll worked his way into a shooting position before dragging a right-foot shot wide of the target.
Then a searching pass sent Gormley hurtling towards goal. He eased Cameron Grieve off the ball but Morgan was quickly off his line to close down the chance.
Dungannon twice went close to taking the lead.
Jamie Douglas was spectacularly denied by Conor Devlin before Boyce somehow missed a great chance when one-on-one with the Reds’ goalkeeper, wastefully slicing the ball into the side-netting from a few yards out.
Morgan, pitched straight into action after rejoining in midweek, was also being kept busy and blocked two Gormley efforts from the edge of the box.
But as the Reds pushed for a way through, Dungannon snatched the lead.
Chris Lavery advanced down the left wing, cut inside and hit a low strike which beat the goalkeeper too easily, creeping past Devlin at his near post.
As the seconds ticked down, Murphy became increasingly agitated on the sidelines.
But just as it seemed Swifts would hold out, Cliftonville showed their championship mettle with a late, late equaliser.
The clock had ticked into the 92nd minute when Boyce got to the byline and pulled the ball across for Gormley, who stabbed home at the back post.
CLIFTONVILLE: Devlin, McGovern, Scannell, McMullan, O’Carroll (Donnelly, 65), Smyth, Catney, Gormley, Murray (Curran, 54), Doherty (Caldwell, 72), Boyce
Subs not used: Johnston, Garrett
DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, McMinn, McCafferty, Grieve, Fitzpatrick, Harpur, Hutchinson, Costello (Doyle, 71), C Lavery, Hazley (Douglas, 44), Boyce
Subs not used: Brennan, Lowe, McCullough
Referee: Raymond Crangle (Belfast)
by DSFC Media | Oct 26, 2013 | Uncategorized
It was a pre-Halloween horror story at Stangmore Park where a Dungannon Swifts side lacking in spirit were routed in a one-sided Mid-Ulster derby.
A hat-trick from Darren Murray helped the Ports to a convincing victory as they claimed their first league win in four games.
But as the clocks go back and the dark nights set in, the lights are rapidly going out on Dungannon’s once promising start to the season.
This was their fourth straight Premiership loss, and undoubtedly their most depressing performance of the campaign to date.
An error-strewn defensive display, summed up by another shocking blunder by goalkeeper Gareth Buchanan, gifted Portadown the points.
Afterwards Darren Murphy was left reflecting on what he branded his most disheartening afternoon in 22 years of Irish League football.
The Dungannon boss could only watch in frustration as the Ports raced into a three-goal lead, aided by some woeful Swifts defending.
On the basis of this performance it is difficult to see where Swifts’ next win is coming from.
Add in a difficult run of games against Cliftonville, Glentoran and Linfield and they could easily be dragged into the relegation fight.
The deadlock was broken after 17 minutes when three players were drawn towards Kevin Braniff, allowing Gary Twigg to dart in behind and score with a left-foot drive.
If that was careless then the second goal a minute later was even worse.
A deep cross from Braniff should have been easily collected by Buchanan but he made a complete hash of it, dropping the ball for Murray to head home.
Perhaps the pre-match downpour had left the ball slippy, but it really was no excuse for an appalling error from the goalkeeper.
The third goal after 27 minutes was more than preventable as well, Murray diverting home Chris Casement’s corner at the front post.
It could have been even worse with the visitors spurning several other chances in a dominant first half performance.
Another effort from Murray was cleared off the line by Fra Brennan while Ports new-boy Shane O’Connor was denied a debut goal by Buchanan.
Dungannon’s best effort of the half fell to Darren Boyce. He broke through the visitors’ defence but directed his attempted lob well off target.
No doubt Murphy would have been grateful for the half-time break to instil a bit of organisation and focus into his players. However, his plans were ripped up straight after the restart.
Just 58 seconds had elapsed when Braniff clipped a clever pass into the box, no-one reacted and Tim Mouncey converted with a simple header.
Dungannon had a rare chance when Boyce slipped the ball out to Stefan Lavery, but his pull-back was sent wide by Ryan Harpur.
They went close again soon afterwards when Matt Hazley won possession and played in Boyce, with his low drive clipping the post.
However, the Ports threatened more goals every time they got forward.
It hadn’t been a great afternoon for Buchanan, but he went some way to redeeming his earlier error with a fine, one-handed save to deny Twigg.
He produced another important block as Twigg turned provider for Braniff, getting a touch to deflect the ball wide.
However, Murray capped a five-star performance from the Ports late on.
Neil McCafferty won possession in midfield and played a clever ball, which Murray controlled before slotting into the bottom corner.
DGN SWIFTS: Buchanan, McKerr (Lowe, 22), Brennan, Copeland (McCullough, 59), Grieve, Harpur, Hutchinson (Topley, 59), Fitzpatrick, Hazley, Boyce, S Lavery
Subs not used: C Lavery, Douglas
PORTADOWN: Miskelly, Casement, Breen, McMahon (Judge, 27, McStay, 72), Murray, Braniff, Mouncey (Rooney, 81), McCafferty, Twigg, O’Connor, Friars
Subs not used: Brennan, Ramsey
Referee: Mark Courtney (Dungannon)
by DSFC Media | Oct 19, 2013 | Uncategorized
It may be a new season but some things never change. Linfield are top of the table and Dungannon Swifts’ dismal run at Windsor Park continues.
In 10 years as a Premiership force Dungannon have never won a league game at the international stadium.
And they are still waiting for that first elusive victory after Andy Waterworth’s double secured another three points for the Blues.
It seems hard to believe that a few weeks ago Linfield were bottom of the table with David Jeffrey under serious pressure.
Seven straight league wins later and the Blues are back on top, four points clear and looking good to wrestle back the Gibson Cup.
It took 40 minutes to find a gap in the Swifts’ defence, but once Waterworth broke the deadlock the Blues rarely looked in trouble.
Waterworth added a second just before the hour mark to all but wrap up the points.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Dungannon who, although largely written off ahead of kick-off, will still be disappointed with aspects of their performance.
Both Linfield’s goals came from lapses in concentration while the visitors struggled to impose themselves on the game at times.
Fans were left wondering whether, with a bit more belief and adventure, Dungannon could have caused more of a threat to the Blues.
The game had kicked off 45 minutes late because of a security alert on the M1, but the first half was definitely not one-way traffic.
Dungannon created the game’s first chance when Stephen Doyle’s cross was cleared to Terry Fitzpatrick, and his right-foot half-volley flashed narrowly over.
Linfield threatened when Matthew Tipton slipped the ball to Philip Lowry and, after he had been closed down, the ball broke to Niall Quinn who tested the goalkeeper with a firm, low drive.
Dungannon went close again in the 34th minute with the goalkeeper using both hands to push Johnny Topley’s free-kick clear of danger.
A one-two between Matt Hazley and Jamie Douglas ended with a cross-shot from the latter, with Doyle unable to get a touch as the ball passed the back post.
It was a real chance – and Swifts were made to pay just four minutes later.
Lowry broke down the right flank and crossed to Tipton. His shot was blocked by Fra Brennan but Waterworth reacted fastest to tap home.
It was unfortunate for goalkeeper Gareth Buchanan, who got a foot to the shot, but Murphy will question why Waterworth had been first onto the loose ball.
Linfield thought they had doubled their lead after half-time when Lowry slotted home after Waterworth’s shot came back off the post – but it was ruled out for offside.
Dungannon made a double change by bringing on Chris Lavery and Grant Hutchinson – but their plans were in tatters within 60 seconds.
Good approach play from Tipton saw him get past two defenders and cross to the back post, where Waterworth was left free to head home.
Dungannon needed something quickly– and they nearly got it. A corner from Lavery was cleared to Hazley, but his low drive was well blocked by the goalkeeper.
Then a powerful left-foot drive from Topley crashed just over the crossbar.
The final 20 minutes saw Linfield seize back control and they had several efforts on target, albeit none of them seriously troubled the goalkeeper.
LINFIELD: Tuffey, McVey (Glendinning, 86), Gault, Waterworth, Lowry, Carvill, BJ Burns, Ward, Tipton (McAllister, 68), Mulgrew, Quinn
Subs not used: A Burns, Knowles, McCaul
DGN SWIFTS: Buchanan, McKerr, Copeland, Brennan, Topley, Fitzpatrick, Harpur, Doyle (C Lavery, 57), Hazley, Glackin (Hutchinson, 57), Douglas (Lowe, 74)
Subs not used: Mulgrew, McCullough
Referee: Mervyn Smyth (Belfast)
by DSFC Media | Oct 7, 2013 | Uncategorized
A poor performance contributed to the sense of frustration as Dungannon Swifts slumped to their third defeat of the season at Glentoran.
Mark Miskimmin was the match-winner with a second half header as the Glens secured their first win in five games.
But it was a disappointing afternoon for Dungannon, made worse by a lacklustre display which failed to seriously exploit the growing unease gripping the Oval.
Dungannon started poorly, falling behind after nine minutes. Although they equalised through Jamie Douglas, they were second best for most of the afternoon.
Gareth Buchanan made several good saves to keep the score level before Miskimmin finally applied a cutting edge to the Glens’ play.
In the end it could have been even more convincing.
Jason Hill missed a late penalty on his 300th Glentoran appearance before somehow firing wide of an open goal in stoppage time.
This was Dungannon’s third defeat of the season, having previously lost at Ballymena and Portadown.
While failures at the Oval or Shamrock Park are no disgrace, in both cases fans left knowing Swifts could have taken something if they had produced a better performance.
Dungannon had arrived in expectation rather than hope, but it took just nine minutes for that optimism to be dashed.
Miskimmin delivered a searching cross which the goalkeeper perhaps should have claimed, and Marcus Kane beat Shane Mulgrew to the ball to head home from close range.
Dungannon were handed another warning minutes later. Jay Magee was first to Stephen McAlorum’s corner but glanced his header just wide.
But they levelled in the 17thminute with a goal almost identical to the Glens’ opener.
Darren Boyce was the architect, sending over a cross from the right flank and Douglas edged out Mark Clarke to head the equaliser.
However, it was Boyce’s last act on his return to the Oval, with the former Glens striker departing soon afterwards with an injury.
Glentoran’s two Clarkes both went close with efforts from distance.
A powerful 25-yard drive by Mark Clarke was deflected fractionally wide, before namesake Richard worked the goalkeeper from outside the box.
But their best chance of a goal came in the 30th minute.
Ryan O’Neill teed up Kane and his shot was blocked by Fra Brennan. The ball broke to Richard Clarke but he was denied by the goalkeeper.
They went close again when the ball was slipped through to Jim O’Hanlon, but he placed a low shot the wrong side of the far post.
Dungannon had chances either side of the interval without seriously troubling Elliott Morris.
Matt Hazley, making his first start since August, failed with an ambitious effort while Stefan Lavery couldn’t take advantage of Michael McKerr’s cross.
But Glentoran carried the greater threat and finally found a way through in the 55th minute.
Richard Clarke played the ball out wide to Hill on the left, and Miskimmin got between Brennan and Dermot McCaffrey to head home his cross.
The Glens should have added to their lead in the closing stages.
A free-kick from McAlorum picked out Jimmy Callacher but the former Swifts midfielder saw his header come back off the crossbar.
They were also awarded a penalty when Jordan Stewart was tripped by McCaffrey. However, Buchanan added to an already impressive performance by guessing correctly and saving the kick.
But their best chance came in stoppage time. Buchanan went forward for a free-kick and, when it broke down, Glentoran countered with Hill somehow shooting wide of the open goal.
GLENTORAN: Morris, O’Neill, Kane, R Clarke, Addis, Magee (Hill, 29), Callacher, O’Hanlon (McGuigan, 89), McAlorum, M Clarke, Miskimmin (Stewart, 75)
Subs not used: Bradley, Henderson
DGN SWIFTS: Buchanan, McKerr (Hutchinson, 57), Brennan, McCaffrey, Mulgrew, Harpur, Hazley (Doyle, 75), Fitzpatrick, McCullough, Boyce (S Lavery, 22), Douglas
Subs not used: Copeland, Glackin
Referee: Ross Dunlop (Carrick)
by Website Admin | Oct 3, 2013 | Uncategorized
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Nihilne te nocturnum praesidium Palati, nihil urbis vigiliae. Non equidem invideo, miror magis posuere velit aliquet. Qui ipsorum lingua Celtae, nostra Galli appellantur. Prima luce, cum quibus mons aliud consensu ab eo. Petierunt uti sibi concilium totius Galliae in diem certam indicere.
by DSFC Media | Sep 30, 2013 | Uncategorized
The champions were held at Stangmore Park as Dungannon Swifts successfully navigated arguably their toughest test of the season to date.
Another goal from Darren Boyce – his fourth in six games – secured a hard-fought but well deserved draw against Cliftonville.
Some 51 points separated these sides in the table last term but the supposed gulf in quality wasn’t evident in a game which Dungannon could have won.
They hit the crossbar early on via Jamie Douglas, while Boyce thought he’d won it with a late strike which flashed inches wide.
Cliftonville boss Tommy Breslin later branded his side’s performance as unacceptable.
It was perhaps a little harsh with the visitors recovering from a slow start to force several excellent saves from the Dungannon goalkeeper
Liam Boyce rattled the crossbar while Martin Donnelly could have nicked it when played through right at the death.
Overall, however, Dungannon were the better side for most of the game.
They had a sharper edge to their play, using the ball intelligently through midfield and down the channels, while defending solidly at the back.
The one disappointment will be a suspected hamstring injury to Cameron Grieve, which leaves him doubtful for the upcoming double-header against Glentoran and Linfield.
Both fixtures will be another big test of a fast-improving Dungannon side but, on this evidence, they are not games which should be feared.
Swifts threatened from the first whistle, almost taking a second minute lead.
Boyce crossed to Douglas but his close-range header struck the crossbar. The ball dropped for Shane Mulgrew, albeit his effort was straight at the goalkeeper.
Dungannon threatened again in the 16th minute following more good approach play from Boyce. He drifted out wide to collect a pass and crossed to Ryan Harpur, who turned well but sent his effort narrowly over.
The visitors’ first chance came via Donnelly’s corner, but Joe McNeill’s header was aimed straight at Gareth Buchanan.
Their best effort, however, came in the 21st minute, with the goalkeeper stretching out a glove to tip Liam Boyce’s terrific free-kick onto the crossbar.
Cliftonville were forced into a reshuffle following an injury to Jamie McGovern, but that aside there were signs the Reds were offering more of a threat.
First a free-kick from Donnelly looked to be creeping towards the bottom corner but Buchanan managed to tip it wide.
Then some clever footwork by Boyce took him through the home defence. However, his finish failed to match the impressive build-up, with the goalkeeper making a simple block.
The Reds carried the greater threat at the outset of the second period as well.
After Donnelly was closed out by Michael McKerr, the ball broke to Gormley but he was splendidly denied by the left hand of Buchanan.
The same two combined moments later, Gormley allowing a Stephen Garrett cross to reach Donnelly, but he was denied by the goalkeeper’s leg.
Cliftonville were growing in confidence – but then Dungannon struck.
Matt Hazley’s free-kick was needlessly parried by Conor Devlin, and Boyce bravely forced home the loose ball with a diving header.
But the lead lasted just eight minutes as Liam Boyce’s set-piece was deflected to Caldwell. His first effort struck McKerr but his second found the net.
A breathless finish saw both sides almost snatch a winner.
Darren Boyce latched on to a long Hazley pass but sent a fierce left-footed drive inches wide of the back post.
Then in stoppage time Martin Murray headed the ball on for Donnelly but he fired wide with the goal – and the victory – in his grasp.
DGN SWIFTS: Buchanan, McKerr, Brennan, McCaffrey, Grieve, McCullough (Hutchinson, 82), Fitzpatrick, Harpur, Mulgrew (Hazley, 61), Douglas (S Lavery, 66), Boyce
Subs not used: Copeland, Doyle
CLIFTONVILLE: Devlin, McGovern (Caldwell, 37), Scannell, Johnston, McNally, Garrett, Donnelly, McNeill (Curran, 61), Gormley (Murray, 86), Cosgrove, Boyce
Subs not used: McMullan, O’Carroll
Referee: Tim Marshall (Irvinestown)
An injury-time equaliser from Joe Gormley cruelly denied Dungannon Swifts as they came so close to toppling the champions in North Belfast.
